‘NICHOLAS NICKLEBY’ IS A FLOWERY DICKENS ADAPTATION
Made in the same era as Miramax period drama like Emma or Mansfield Park, about the only difference is Nicholas Nickleby is a Charles Dickens story whereas the aforementioned are Jane Austen.
Nicholas Nickleby (2001) Film Review
Young Nicholas grew up poor but the center of a loving father’s world. He along with a sister were brought up in the country with two parents. Then at the age of nineteen, Nicholas (Charlie Hunnam) becomes the head of his home when his father’s business choices lead to ruin and his father takes to his bed and simply gives up. This sends Nicholas to London where he brings his mother (Stella Gonet) and sister, Kate (Romola Garai) to the city in the hopes his wealthy and distant uncle may provide them with places to earn their keep.
Nicholas is carted off to a dark and unkind school for boys where he works as an instructor. There Nicholas sees dark and terrible things under the cruel eye of the Squeers (Timothy Spall, Juliet Stevenson) all the while he’s unaware of the possible dangers awaiting his sister…
‘NICHOLAS NICKLEBY’ IS A FLOWERY DICKENS ADAPTATION. Review of the #PeriodDrama inspired by #CharlesDickens. Stars #AnneHathaway, #CharlieHumman, Romola Garai and more! Share on X
From what I assume, though don’t know in fact since I haven’t read the book (I know this surprises no one), this isn’t a faithful adaptation. For starters it clocks in at just over two hours which likely means lots of trimming went on. Secondly, I think some of the characters, while weirdly Dickens, are also written very modernly which means that much creative liberty is likely taken.
The man behind the camera is Douglas McGrath, the same director for Miramax’s 90s version of Emma. It’s not difficult to see the same influence in this production. But like Emma, it’s this influence that inspires some comedy and good laughs as we travel through life with Nicholas and the people in his orbit. In addition to Hunnam, who later did find success on Sons of Anarchy, this has an a-plus cast list. From familiar faces like Stevenson and Christopher Plummer, to also Jamie Bell and Anne Hathaway, both of whom were in their earlier days as stars.
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This version of Nicholas Nickleby has modern influence throughout including the final scene and the ladies costumes. The language is also extremely flowery. I’ve seen this film more than once, but I didn’t even remember how much this is true until I watched this. It felt more like Shakespearean influence rather than Dickens. Regardless, the film is entertaining. There’s some nice speeches and the story presents us with genuinely good characters that counter the typical Dickens villains.
Fantastical and cute, dark and sad, but also sweet, Nicholas Nickleby is all these wonderful things. It will also leave you with a smile even if there are tears getting there.
You can stream, at publication, Nicholas Nickleby on Roku or Tubi TV
Photos: Alamy
Content: There is a good deal of darkness with the themes and topics. We see boys whipped with a cane by cruel people. A much older man lusts after and mercilessly pursues a teen girl (we don’t really see anything but it’s clear he’s takes liberties behind a curtain, though it doesn’t go far since she breaks away). There is some minor sexual innuendo outside of this. The film is PG.
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I find this movie oddly compelling, and have watched it twice. Is it almost absurdist? Yes. Is it endearing? Also yes. There are things I don’t like about it, and yet, I’m quite sure I’ll watch it again. More than once.
Right? I haven’t even read a Dickens book, but based on how BBC adapts Dickens, this “feels” like an odd one. Nonetheless, I do enjoy it and definitely see the influences the film has compared to Emma (same director). I have seen it three or four times and do enjoy the cast and the “silliness” which isn’t always something I find in Dickens. :)
I’ve read at least four books by Dickens, and he does get whimsical (especially with those names), but not usually this bright and cheery.
I can totally see that. There is a certain amount of humor with Dickens stories (and I think there are things he writes that has a kind of tongue-in-cheek humor even if, as you say, only through the names), but I would never assume he writes cheerful in the way this period drama tells the story!